Richard Charles Klepper

Richard was born on February 1, 1931, in Pawnee City, Nebraska. His loving parents were Herbert and Martha (Helen) Klepper. Richard married Joan Grace Stewart on November 1, 1955, in La Mesa, California, and they were married for 65 years.

Due to health reasons, Richard moved from Nebraska to California during his middle school years. He graduated from Grossmont Union High School in Grossmont, CA in 1949.

At the age of 17, Richard started his journey with the railroad working in their beanery (kitchen) in Kelso, CA. He moved on to become a very successful switchman, riding and directing the trains. The Union Pacific Railroad observed his strong work ethic and ability to train and oversee crews and promoted him to yardmaster. He mastered that position, and he was promoted to superintendent to oversee and run the entire railroad yards. They needed his expertise in Las Vegas, and he was sent to work his magic in the Las Vegas railroad yards to create a smooth-running operation. His experience and wisdom were needed again back in Los Angeles (LA), and he was appointed superintendent of the LA yards. He had a very successful and rewarding career that lasted approximately 43 years at the Union Pacific Railroad.

Richard decided to retire a few years early to spend more time with family. This also provided a wonderful opportunity to travel with the Love of His Life. Richard and Joan enjoyed visiting Branson, Missouri, because they both loved country music. They also traveled to spring training baseball for about 24 years and enjoyed all the games. They enjoyed several cruises and a wonderful trip to Alaska and Hawaii. As their family grew, they loved spending time with their grown children, grandchildren and great grandchildren where they shared many adventures together.

Richard loved sports, especially baseball, and enjoyed going to see the Angels and Dodgers play. He also coached little league for his son Wayne. He loved camping and fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling to visit family and loved regular trips to Nebraska to visit his family and childhood friends.

Richard is the youngest of 5 children, and he is preceded in death by his siblings Don Klepper, Kenneth Klepper, Beth Gage and Marianne (Jo) Warner.

Richard is survived by his wife Joan Klepper. Richard’s additional survivors are his 3 children Cheryl Chavez, Wayne Klepper and Kimberly Cline; his 7 grandchildren Timothy Klepper, Ryan Klepper, Matthew Klepper, Marsella Chavez, Erica Chavez, Tanya Chavez and Caleb Cline; and 4 great-grandchildren Kaiden Klepper, Elisabeth Klepper, Zoey Cline and Ella Cline.

Richard will be greatly missed by all, and he was a rock that kept our entire family together. His love, grace and mercy will continue to shine in all the lives he so deeply touched and impacted.

Richard was raised to have a strong belief in God, and he has a very special Hospice Chaplain John Wilder officiating his celebration of life. Richard and Joan became very close with John over the last year of his life, and he has prayed with them and visited them many times. Praise the Lord, Richard knows Jesus, and he will be smiling at us each day, and we can look forward to our reunion in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 28, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Memorial, which is located at 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.

Join us for a special reception and time for fellowship immediately following the service being held at Fairhaven Memorial from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Due to space restrictions, please reach out to the family prior to attending.

Richard will be cremated, and once his wife Joan passes, she will be cremated; both of their ashes will then be scattered at sea in Point Loma, San Diego, CA.